‘We must build’: Cox asks lawmakers, Utahns to embrace state’s industrial spirit

SALT LAKE CITY – Utah Gov. Spencer Cox called for a return to the state’s “tradition of real grit” in his State of the State address at the Capitol Thursday night, declaring that “now is a time for building.”

The governor opened his 25-minute speech to state lawmakers and Utahns from the dais of the House gallery by reflecting on what the Salt Lake Valley looked like when pioneers first came upon it in July 1847.

“It was so beautiful that one member of the party proclaimed, ‘weak and tired as I am, I would rather go a thousand miles further than remain in such a desolate place as this,'” said Cox. “And yet, nearly 180 years later, our Utah desert has pulled off the most miraculous disruption. Earth has blossomed as promised, and our home has become the envy of Earth and a worldwide destination.”

As modern Utahns, “We stand on the shoulders of giants,” the governor continued. “Our ancestors irrigated farms, mined minerals, built homes and neighborhoods, ran cities and connected this continent by rail. In the face of adversity, they built. They built here.”

Across the country, Cox said, those values ​​of industrialism and innovation have disappeared and been replaced by “negativity and inertia.” He blamed government regulation and an outsourcing of American manufacturing and other industry for a slowdown in infrastructure and technology buildup.

“And worst of all, we stopped building resilient people,” he said. “For decades, families have been under attack. The mental and physical health of our teenagers is threatened daily by major social media companies. Our national birth rate is in steep decline, and demographic concerns now pose one of the greatest threats to our shared future, all with the death toll of despair has skyrocketed.”

“But not here. At least not yet. Utah is an outlier. Utah has remained weird. In the best way,” he added, referring to his address last January contributing to its success.

Cox described the state as “at a fork in the road” — with one path succumbing to “nationwide malaise of dysfunction” and the other building for the future. He identified five key focus areas he plans to work with lawmakers on in the race.

He touted the state’s goal of building 35,000 starter homes before he leaves office in four years and the plan to bring advanced nuclear reactors to the state. When it comes to supporting families, Cox reiterated his request that state lawmakers eliminate the state tax on Social Security benefits.

“It’s kind of embarrassing that we’re one of only eight states that still taxes Social Security benefits, and I’m determined to see this tax eliminated, putting money back in the pockets of our beloved senior Utahns,” he said. “It’s time. Check it – it’s a lot of time.”

But Cox faces an uphill battle on the particular proposal. Both Senate and House GOP leaders have signaled a strong desire to cut the income tax again for the fifth year in a row. Earlier this week, Senate President Stuart Adams promised all but another income tax cut that he said would benefit young families trying to afford basic expenses.

Some Republican lawmakers have also pointed out that the state already offers a Social Security tax credit for Utah seniors who make $75,000 a year or less.

Although the governor did not specifically address immigration, lawmakers have proposed several measures to address public safety by cracking down on organized crime and undocumented migrants. Several proposals would increase penalties for fentanyl trafficking and make it a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to 365 days in jail, which lawmakers say would make it easier for federal officials to deport migrants who have committed crimes.

Cox concluded by repeating a refrain shared throughout his address: “We must build.”

In the modern context, “built here” means not only embracing infrastructure and housing growth, Cox said, but “axing every tax that we can,” supporting Utahns who want to build businesses, farms or families, making the state “inclusive for every Lawful Newcomer” and “still doing the big things – the hard things – in our lives and in this session.”

“Building here means giving our children and grandchildren an inspiring story to tell about our time. So that 180 years from now our descendants can look back on us with the pride and gratitude and reverence that we feel in our hearts today, he said. “Utah, we must build. May God bless us, our nation and this great state as we build together.”

Democrats react

In a prepared response to the governor’s speech, House Minority Leader Angela Romero, D-Salt Lake City, touched on Cox’s call for building.

“Together, we can build an inclusive and inclusive Utah,” Romero said, “where everyone feels a sense of belonging and has the opportunity to flourish.”

But Romero also criticized “extreme policies that have affected our state in recent years.” Senate Minority Leader Luz Escamilla, D-Salt Lake City, called the legislative session “challenging” but said Democrats—who hold a superminority in the House and Senate—would face it with “determination and determination.”

“We will push back on reactionary policies that are punitive to working families and will fight for solutions that lift up all communities and address the real challenges Utahns face every day,” Escamilla said. “We will protect Utahns’ constitutional rights and ensure their due process, free speech and values ​​on which our state and nation were built.”

Escamilla and Romero cited several issues as top priorities for Democrats, including making housing and child care more affordable, protecting first-person voting, Mail, fund public schools and compassionately address illegal immigration.

“To conflate public safety with immigration is misguided,” Escamilla said. “Our national immigration crisis must be solved by Congress.”

Romero added, “Many Utahns worry about the effects of mass deportation policies. It is important for our state leaders to uphold justice and compassion and protect the rights of all residents regardless of status.”

The Democratic leaders encouraged Utahns to get involved and speak out to shape the state’s future.

“Let’s work toward a Utah that reflects and celebrates the stories and contributions of every individual,” Escamilla said. “United, we can create a more inclusive and just future for all Utahns.”

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